If the German economy crumbles it could start a domino effect that would pull down other countries' economies with it.

That would also be a huge hit to Britain as Europe is one of the UK's biggest trading partners.

The biggest shock facing Germany is the slowing global economy, which spells disaster for its export-driven growth.

China is one of Germany's biggest markets, and its falling demand is expected to hit home hard.

France is one of Germany's closest trading partners and its economy is struggling, further dampening demand for German exports.

Expert Peter Lundgreen, head of investment firm Lundgreen's capital said: "German exporters are feeling the pain from the slowdown in business investments in many emerging market countries, as commodity prices have tumbled."

Germany's industrial output has helped underpin the country's economic growth - but these numbers have been undershooting expert expectations for months.

Domestic consumption has also powered the country's growth over the past year but consumer confidence has been falling since June last year, which indicates that consumption is set to fall too, Mr Lundgreen added.